Splat! Wrestling TV (4/18/2026) Review: A Clean, Focused Developmental Show That Let Its Future Stars Actually Shine

Splat! Wrestling TV continues to quietly understand something a lot of developmental-style shows miss: you don’t need chaos, overbooking, or forced drama to make people care—you need clarity, identity, and consistent progression.

This episode, broadcast from Greenville, South Carolina, leaned fully into that philosophy. It wasn’t trying to overwhelm you. It wasn’t trying to pretend every match was a main event. Instead, it presented a lineup of rising talent, gave each of them space to show who they are, and made sure that by the end of the night, you had a better sense of who matters going forward. 

That’s a win for a show like this.

From the opening sequence, the tone was clear: this is about the future. Biff Franklin and Seo Hyung Kwon did a solid job framing the night as a proving ground rather than overhyping it as something it wasn’t. That framing matters because it sets expectations correctly. You’re not watching finished products—you’re watching people trying to become them.

The opening match between Tyler Albright and Xander Hayes was a strong example of how to establish character quickly. Hayes came out fast, sharp, and athletic, immediately winning over the crowd with clean offense and momentum. Albright, on the other hand, leaned fully into the role of opportunistic heel, cutting corners, using the ropes, and slowing the pace whenever possible. That contrast made the match easy to follow and easy to invest in.

The finish was especially effective. Hayes hit his big move, had the match won, and then lost it because Albright was just a little more willing to cheat. That’s basic wrestling storytelling, but it works for a reason. It protected Hayes while establishing Albright as someone you’re going to want to see get what’s coming to her. That’s good developmental booking.

The Poema Tua and Victoria Drake match was one of the stronger performances on the card because it blended character work with progression. Poema’s backstage promo added a layer of vulnerability you don’t always see at this level—she acknowledged the pressure of being undefeated and the possibility of losing. That made the match feel like more than just another win-loss situation.

In the ring, the match delivered on that tension. Drake’s heel tactics kept Poema off balance, while Poema’s resilience kept the crowd engaged. The finishing sequence, with Poema finally landing Good Night From the Waves, felt earned rather than inevitable. That’s important. Undefeated streaks only matter if they feel like they could end at any moment.

Raya Hope Inella vs. Tamara Samuels might have been the most complete “star-building” segment on the show. The promo beforehand gave Raya a clear voice—confident, self-aware, and driven—and then the match backed it up. Raya didn’t just rely on speed. She showed adaptability, counters, and composure under pressure. That’s the kind of progression you want to see from someone positioned as a future centerpiece.

Her win with Ray of Light didn’t just feel like a victory—it felt like confirmation. She’s not just a personality. She’s a competitor you can build around.

The Joseph Stanton vs. Jessica Carter match was another highlight, particularly because of how it handled experience versus instinct. Carter played the veteran manipulator role well, using fake injuries and timing to control the match. Stanton, meanwhile, felt raw but determined, which made his eventual submission victory with the Stanton Lockdown Crossface more impactful.

This is exactly how you build a babyface in this environment: not by making them flawless, but by making them persistent.

The Grant Maddox vs. ONNA match was probably the purest “wrestling” match on the card. It didn’t rely heavily on gimmicks or character shortcuts. It was about two competitors trying to out-wrestle each other. That’s valuable on a show like this because it adds variety. Maddox winning with the Maddox Law felt decisive without making ONNA look weak, which is always a balancing act in these kinds of matches.

The final stretch of the show, centered around Skylar Sweeney, tied everything together nicely. Her backstage promo did a great job of clarifying her identity—she’s not here to be liked, she’s here to prove something. That edge carried directly into the main event against Elena Douglas.

The match itself was a strong closer because it combined urgency, character contrast, and a clear finish. Elena leaned into her more brutal, methodical style, while Skylar relied on speed, counters, and resilience. The submission victory with the Cattle Clutch was the right call. It didn’t just end the match—it made a statement. Skylar didn’t survive. She forced the finish.

That’s the kind of ending a developmental show needs: decisive, character-driven, and forward-looking.

Three Things I Really Liked

1. The show had clear character identities across the board
Every wrestler felt distinct. You understood who they were, how they wrestled, and what they were trying to accomplish.

2. Raya Hope Inella felt like a breakout star
The combination of promo and in-ring performance made her feel like someone the show is building toward something bigger.

3. The main event delivered a clean, meaningful finish
Skylar Sweeney winning by submission gave the show a strong, decisive ending that reinforced her credibility.

Three Things I Disliked or Found Confusing

1. Some matches leaned heavily on familiar heel tactics
Low blows, rope leverage, and distractions were effective, but used frequently enough to feel slightly repetitive.

2. The show lacks a central storyline thread
While the matches were strong individually, there isn’t yet a major overarching narrative tying everything together.

3. A few competitors still feel one layer away from being fully realized
The foundation is there, but some characters need one more defining trait or story to truly stand out.

Final Thoughts

Splat! Wrestling TV isn’t trying to be flashy, and that’s exactly why it works. It focuses on development, progression, and giving its roster the space to grow in front of the audience.

This episode succeeded because it made multiple performers feel like they’re moving forward. Tyler Albright established herself as a credible heel. Poema Tua kept her momentum alive. Raya Hope Inella took a step toward stardom. Joseph Stanton showed resilience. Grant Maddox proved consistency. And Skylar Sweeney closed the show looking like someone ready for bigger opportunities.

That’s what this show is supposed to do.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about building something.

Splat! Wrestling TV is building something—and it’s doing it the right way.

By: Collin Voss

Collin Voss is a weekly fantasy wrestling columnist covering shows from across the e-fedding scene with a focus on presentation, match structure, character work, and long-term booking.